Interview with Tonny Wirawan Suriadjaja

Tonny Wirawan Suriadjaja ("TWS") interviewed on Thursday, 23 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

TWS : I established my own company over 10 years ago. Our works range from private residence to hospitality projects. Our current flagship project is under construction in a beautiful typical island named Langkawi in Malaysia. It is a beach front property and will be operated by Pan Pacific Hotel Group.

How did you become a designer?

TWS : I always have a dream to make a better environment for people to live. Seeing the end product gives a positive contribution to surrounding site, is my design goal.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

TWS : First I always look for the main "problems" versus user's need. Then exercise some strategies to find the most suitable for each case. After conclude which design direction we take, we simulate with 3d animations, and study the space and building form.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

TWS : It is always excited, seeing the building getting in shape, to feel and see the scale of room and it's visual effect.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

TWS : Social skill and empathy are skills that we need to have. By possessing those skills, we can have a better understanding of the client's need.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

TWS : It is my dream to be able to design something that benefit people whom using it in tangible and non tangible aspects.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

TWS : Be a good listener and humble to accept many inputs.

What is your day to day look like?

TWS : I like to read any kind of books and watch any kind of movies. A good cup of coffee and self reflection, help me to think more clear.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

TWS : I like to see what happened in the design and social world through any kind of media and experience it, if possible. I believe the design trend, derived from the culture and social life, happen within this current era.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

TWS : The good design is reflected through the clarity of space plan.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

TWS : I feel ready with the design when the space plan has answered the program need and the look please the eyes.

Who is your favourite designer?

TWS : I always fascinated with Tadao Ando and Zaha Hadid. Both represent two different ways of thinking, from east and west.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

TWS : Born in Asia and diverse culture, give me rich inspiration and lessons of life. Limitation of labor skills also become an important consideration in my design process.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

TWS : I have a passion to make a better world for people to live. And hoping someday, I can give a good contribution for humanity projects on any place of this world.

Tonny Wirawan Suriadjaja Profile